Stuck in concrete cages with 100+ degree temperatures, incarcerated persons are experiencing increasing health issues, both mental and physical. According to www.vera.org temperatures inside jails and prisons can often exceed 100 degrees. The heat index—a measure of how hot it really feels when humidity is factored in with the temperature—can reach as high as 150 degrees. The consequences of these heat waves can be severe.

Very few of these prisons have air-conditioning outside of staff areas. Due to the constant complaint of "staff shortages" many prisons keep the incarcerated persons lockdown in those furnaces they call "cells" for the majority of each 24-hour period. Some are being let out for 15 minutes to take a shower and then are returned to those hell holes. In addition, the staff or inmate "trustees" come around once per day to deliver a cup of ice to each incarcerated person. Isn't that something? 

Let's keep in mind that the "prison industrial complex" is a multi-billion-dollar BUSINESS and can certainly afford to invest in air conditioning systems throughout the prisons. Many use the location and age of these buildings for the reason why they are not air conditioned. WELL, BUILD SOME NEW ONES, OR RELEASE PEOPLE THAT HAVE EARNED RELEASE!

Back to the purpose of this petition, a "Family Liaison" is needed even more now. Many family members are finding out, after the fact, that their loved ones are being treated for illnesses due to heat exhaustion, some even being hospitalized. We NEED a voice on the inside that we can communicate with at all times.